Russia pledges solidarity with Venezuela after U.S. vessel strike

In a Sunday phone call, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil said his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov pledged “full support and solidarity” to Caracas following U.S. strikes on vessels near Venezuela.

Days earlier, U.S. forces struck boats off Venezuela’s coast, alleging they were smuggling illicit narcotics. One such strike on 3 October killed four people, drawing sharp condemnations from Moscow.

In their call, Lavrov denounced the U.S. action and warned against a broader escalation. He voiced concern over planned interpretations of a UN resolution that could expand U.S. operations in the region.

Gil, for his part, publicly welcomed Russia’s backing. “The Russian side has confirmed its full support and solidarity with the leadership and people of Venezuela in the current context,” he said.

Russia’s promise to defend Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace hints at larger ambitions to counter U.S. influence in the region. Gil highlighted this in his social media statement. 

Observers warn this episode could inflame diplomatic standoffs. The U.S. is already under scrutiny for stretching military operations from counter-drug missions toward quasi-interventionist postures. Critics argue such uses of force in international waters may violate due process and norms of maritime law.

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